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FBI: Terrorists might use unsecured wireless networks to harm US
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by Actual News Geezer | May 4, 2007 at 10:07 am
1132 views | 5 Recommendations | 6 comments
We know that aircraft can be used as cruise missiles. We know that foreign freighters might make US ports vulnerable. People crossing the US-Mexico border might be carrying dirty bombs.
But here's the question: is your wireless network an opportunity for terrorists? There's no doubt that law enforcement officials are worried about this very possibility.
SANTA CLARA, California -- Attention, Wi-Fi users: The Department of Homeland Security sees wireless networking technology as a terrorist threat.
The member alerted our Birmingham, Alabama, office about computer hackers in Europe who have developed a method for cutting through the security provided by the WEP within a matter of seconds—and who are ready to share that secret.“We knew once that information got out—and it most likely would—these vulnerabilities were going to be exploited,” said Paul Daymond, the media representative from our Birmingham office who helped coordinate a press conference on the issue recently. “So we wanted to get the world out quickly.”
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (6)
at 16:08 on May 4th, 2007
Good to know, but also just propaganda on the part of the US. Any network, such as the network at a University or your local coffee shop is a pipe to get online...the same as your connection at home. The potential for "hackers" (or crackers) to do terrorist acts on the US via the internet is related to the security on the computers and their networks -not the ability to anonymously get on someone's home network.
That being said, it is very important for you to protect your home network so someone does not connect to your internet connection and break into someone else's computer. By doing that, it could look like you were the attacker and not them. *That* is the problem with unsecured wireless.
It does not increase the chances of a terroist attack. :)
at 07:02 on May 5th, 2007
Hi Babblingweed,
I think all of the reasons you cited are exactly the reasons why individual unsecured home networks should be secured. You contradict yourself in stating that this is propaganda, (therefore making the US claim without face value) and then stating: "The potential for "hackers" (or crackers) to do terrorist acts on the US via the internet is related to the security on the computers and their networks -not the ability to anonymously get on someone's home network".
Which is it? Does network security present a terrorist risk or not? Think of the incredible tactical advantage that exists in the ability to mount an internet attack while moving from town to town, city to city, and throwing off investigators by implicating an unsuspecting innocent home network owner. I agree that there are institutional and commercial wireless access spots for terrorists to use, but these areas may make them more susceptible to identification. There are three elements needed for the commission of a crime: Desire, ability, and opportunity. Take away one of those elements and the crime can be prevented, at least to the extent that the perpetrator must go elsewhere to seek out opportunity.
The millions of Americans who have unsecured wireless networks provide a virtually unlimimted opportunity for internet terrorist crimes. The greater the opportunity present, the higher the crime rate is.
The US government is filled with propaganda, but I do not think this wireless issue is one. What would be the point of it?
at 11:42 on May 5th, 2007
If unsecured home wireless networks are opening up the doors for terrorists, then I'm Mickey Mouse. Terrorists don't need your home network to get online.
Two major flaws in that argument:
1) Why would cities around the U.S. be installing open wireless access to communities if that means we are opening our doors to terrorists? Quick! Build a wall because that might keep them out...
2) Since when is free or cheap internet access an issue?
If I am a terrorist and I need to commit an "Internet terrorist attack" I don't need to be in the U.S., so unsecured wireless networks in American suburbia don't mean much to me. If I am in the U.S. and I need internet access I can sit inside a local coffee shop or McDonalds and get online -why do I need to go to a neighborhood? For that matter, with the abundance of cities offering free access to anyone why would I need to get on Mr. Jones' wireless network? I wouldn't.
Free Internet access is not anymore of an issue as getting a free box cutter when I go to the hardware store. If we charge people $5 for a box cutter will that stop terrorists from using them? No. If we outlaw them in the U.S. can they still get them? Yea, anywhere else in the world...just like Internet access.
Government and corporate networks need to be secured -if they aren't a terrorist will sign online just like anyone else getting a cup of coffee in the morning.
"Which is it? Does network security present a terrorist risk or not?
Think of the incredible tactical advantage that exists in the ability
to mount an internet attack while moving from town to town, city to
city, and throwing off investigators by implicating an unsuspecting
innocent home network owner."
The network security that matters is on the systems we care about -i.g. governtment and large corporations.
Tactical? Yes. Practical? No. Why not sit in a hotel in Siberia and break into system after system and hide your location then you can do whatever you want without ever wondering if the Feds will be sitting in the next neighborhood to snag you? Moving from wireless to wireless point forces you to terminate your connection, even as you drive you have to hop from network to network. This same practice is possible without being a a car and actually moving.
"The millions of Americans who have unsecured wireless networks provide
a virtually unlimimted opportunity for internet terrorist crimes. The
greater the opportunity present, the higher the crime rate is."
Again, the problem is not access to the internet, it is the security of the networks/computers terrorists want to break into like bank, military bases, etc. Getting access to the Internet is not hard, breaking into systems is.
at 08:03 on May 5th, 2007
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charlie.rockwaveat 23:56 on May 24th, 2007
Whoa!
Now they are going to terrorize us via our wireless networks.
These guys have their finger on the pulse of terrorism!
It's a damn good thing we elected George W Bush to protect us.
I bet if we invaded Iran, our wireless networks would be safe -- forever.
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Wii Remote (not verified)at 02:02 on April 28th, 2009
All technology has negative effect and many bad company take benefit from that negative effect.